Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13145, William Gibbs, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Gibbs, William
S. 13145-
carded
CONTENTS

9643
Connecticut
William Gilts
Litchfield in the State of Connecticut who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Teymour of the First Regt. Shelburn in the Conn. Militia for 9 Months 26 days
Enscribed on the Roll of Connecticut the rate of 32 Dollars 86 Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 day of June 1833 and sent G. B. Woodruff Litchfield Conn.
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1833 $ 65.72 Femi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept. 33 16.13
$82.15
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Geo B. Whiting Clerk, Book 8 Vol. 3 Page 15

Declaration of William Gibbs, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832
State of Connecticut } As Court of Probate within & for County of Litchfield } the District of Litchfield
On this 1 st day of Aug. 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before Frederick Wolcott Esq. Judge of the Court of Probate aforesaid, now sitting William Gibbs of Litchfield in said County aged 77 years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, Doth, on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated viz,
I was born at said Litchfield May 12 th  AD 1755 & have always resided in said Litchfield, I have no record of my age
1 st In June A.D. 1775 I belonged to a company of horse in the Conn. Militia which was commanded by Capt Moses Seymour & the British having evacuated Boston, & being expected at New York the whole of said company was called out to go to that place to defend it, I went with said company to New York for that purpose in said June under the Command of said Capt Seymour & in Major Sheldon's Regiment, We reached New York while the British lay off near Sandy Hook We were stationed in the City & employed in keeping guard & were there when the British landed near the narrows While we were here two of the British ships sailed up the River past the City & returned. We were in New York when Independence was declared, & remained there for about two months & a half during which nothing very important occurred & at the end of that time, it being a day or two before the Battle at Flatbush our Company was sent to Litchfield to guard as a prisoner the late Mayor of New York named Mathews, whom we carried from New York to Litchfield where he was left in the custody of Capt Seymour & we were dismissed. Gen l Washington

Outman, Sterling Lee, Gnan & others were in New York when we were there. The Continental army was not then organized, I annex the deposition of David Catlin who served the whole time with me, to support my declaration.
2 d Towards the last of October 1776 said Company was again called upon by our Officers to serve in the American Army. I went with said Company & we joined the army at White Plains under Gen. Washington, we arrived at that place the day after the Battle there & I well remember as situated in burying their dead. From this  at that place a part of said Company went in the American Army across the North River, & then to New Jersey, but I remained in West Chester County & was put into a Company of horse commanded by Capt Butler of Berlin, Conn; we marched from White Plains to Greenwich, Bedford & moved about from place to place to reconnoitre & keep guard near the lines. Gen. Madsworth & Gen. Spencer were there, I was one of their Guard till some time in January then next I think when I was dismissed & returned to Litchfield. This tour was of about two or two & a half months duration. I annex the deposition of David Catlin & Samuel Seymour to prove this tour of service.
3 d In the last of April 1777 the said Company of Cavalry was again called out on an alarm to Danbury Conn. & to defend that place & the stores of provision, but he departed there for the American Army. I went with said Company & was in the Battle fought in & near that place & in the pursuit of the British till they reached the sound & reembarked on board their vessels, the Company remained near the coast for a few days & then returned to Litchfield & was dismissed. I served this tour about one fortnight, & annex the testimony of David Catlin to prove my declaration, 2 d Catlin served with me through this tour.

4 th In the summer of the year 1777 our said Company then commanded by Major Bull was called out to join the American Army on the North River & I went with said Company to Cronpound near Peekskill, where we encamped & was stationed for some time, & untill a part of the army was ordered to make an attack on the British near Kings Bridge, with which I went in 8 th Company & marched to Valentine's Hill above Kings Bridge, at Valentine's Hill we made an attack on the British Out Posts & after some skirmishing we marched again to Cronpound & remained there till we were dismissed which was done without any written discharge, I served at this time I believe two months & am in the deposition of David Callin to support this part of my declaration
5 th Afterwards about the last of August in the same year 1777 Capt Seymour went with a part of said Company to the Northward to oppose Gen. Burgoyne, those of his Company who remained in & about Litchfield were called out to join the army at Peekskill. I went with 8 th remainder to Peekskill, where we were put under the Command of Gen. Putnam, in Major Bull's Regiment, From Peekskill we were marched up the River to watch the motions of the British fleet which was attempting to form a junction with Gen. Burgoyne at Albany, I marched in 8 th Regiment up the River as far as Rhinebeck, on the way I saw Esopus now Kingston burned by the British, The news of the capture of Burgoyne having been received the fleet returned down the River & we with them a few days as Fishkill lower Barrack & then was dismissed with others & received no written discharge I served at this time two months , have no documentary evidence of it, but prove it by the annexed deposition of David Callin who served with me the whole of this time

5 th In July & in the first part of that month in the year 1779 said company was called out in the Norwalk alarm, the British having landed on the southern coast of Conn. & being expected at Norwalk, I went with said Company to Norwalk & was present at the Battle fought there after the British had landed, & remained in the neighborhood after the town was burned, a short time, when our company marched to Stamford & remained there till the British returned to New York, we were then dismissed & returned home. I served at this time about two weeks, received no discharge & have no documentary evidence of this service, & to support my declaration annex the testimony of S r David Catlin who served with me as a soldier at this time
I am known to the Rev d Truman Mark, Samuel Seymour, Amos Benton, Simeon Harris & Gen. Morris Woodruff who reside in my present neighborhood & can testify to my character for veracity & their belief of my services as a soldier of the Revolution
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State
W m G. Gibbs
I swear to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me Frederick Wolcott, Judge of Probate Simsbury? Dist. Ct. Conn.

We Truman Marsh a Clergyman residing in the town & County of Litchfield, Conn. & Joseph Adams Esq. residing in said town hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with William Gibbs of said town who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 77 years of age; that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion
Truman Marsh Joseph Adams
Sworn to & subscribed this 2 d day of Aug 1832 before me Frederick Wolcott, Judge of Probate Litchfield District, Conn.
And the said Court doth hereby declare its opinion after the investigation of the matter, after putting the interrog- atories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, & served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them it, that the Rev. Truman Marsh who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, residing in the town & County aforesaid, & that Joseph Adams Esq. who has also signed the same is a resident in the said town, & is a credible person, & that their state- ment is entitled to credit
Frederick Wolcott, Judge of Probate Litchfield District, Conn.
I Phinehas Miner Clerk of the Court of Probate within & for the District of Litchfield hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of William Gibbs for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of said office this 2 d day of Aug. 1832
Phinehas Miner Clerk

Perman
13145 INVALID.
am
File No. 13, 145
William Gibbs Rev Boer War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 142
[Arrangement of 1870.]

War Department Pension Office 1 st April 1833.
Sir
The declaration of William Gibbs was returned principally on account of the uncertainty of the period of service stated in the declaration which rendered it impossible to compute the rate of pension correctly. The supplemental declaration has not remedied the defect. For instance in the original declaration a service of "two, or two and a half months duration" in 1776. is stated. In the supplement the claimant says he served two and half months " as he believes "
Such allegations cannot justify this

This Department in fixing the rate of pension to the extent of Conjectures of the claimant. He must state the term during which he is certain he served. The papers are again returned.
I am, respectfully your obedt. Servt.
J L Edwards
George C. Woodruff, Esq. Litchfield Conn.

4236
William Gibbs
5.16
G. C. Woodruff
Silvilee
$32.86
Q159

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of William Gibbs — which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? ev VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? no
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.”

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡ QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Apr 12
64
1872
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm ee of Pensions Washington D.C.

Litchfield Conn April 5 th 1839
J. L. Edwards Esq. Sir I again return to you W m Gibbs application for a Pension. It is again amended as to his term of service in the autumn of 1776. the only one defective as I understand your Letter of the 1 st inst.
Very Respectfully
Your O bt Serv t
Geo. Woodruff

I David Catlin of the town & County of Litchfield, Can do affirm & say that in the month of June 1775 I resided in Litchfield & knew that William Gibbs of 1 st town & who then was since & now belongs to 1 st town, belonged to Capt Mose Seymour's Company of horse in the Count Mi- litia, & that when that Company was called in 1 st June to go to New York to defend that city against the British he went in 1 st company & served as a soldier in the Service of the United States at 1 st New York for 1 st pur- pose till the last of August 1777 & for about 2 1/2 mos when he returned with said Company to Litchfield guard- ing Mr Matthews the British Mayor of New York as a prisoner, 1 st Company was in Major Elisha Sheldon's Regiment. It left New York but a day or two before the battle at Flatbush, I belonged to the same Company & served the whole of this time & know that 1 st Gibbs served as above stated
After about one month or more after said Company returned to Litchfield said Gibbs went with me in 1 st Company when it was called out to join the American Army at White Plains, we arrived at White Plains the day after the Battle was fought there, & helped to bury their dead , we remained in that neighbor- hood a few days & then the best horses & their riders of whom I was one, were selected out of Capt Sey- mour's Company to march to New Jersey, I left 1 st Gibbs in the neighborhood of White Plains, at this time in the American Army
In April 1777 1 st Company was called on an alarm to go to Danbury to defend that place & the stores there deposited belonging to the United States, Said Gibbs went with said Company, as did I, to Danbury, He was engaged in the skirmish with the British there, & pursu- ed them with 1 st Company till they reembarked, & after a few days he returned with our Company to Litchfield, having been gone about a fortnight

In the summer of 1777 our 1 st Company was called upon to join the American Army on the North River & did so join near Fishkill, it was stationed at Poughkeepsie some time & then with other Companies were ordered to march towards Kings Bridge near New York & it marched down to Valentine's Hill where an attack was made upon the out posts of the British, after which we returned to Poughkeepsie & soon were dismissed. Said Gibbs served with the Company the whole of this time to my personal knowledge being present. This tour was about two months
In the fall of the same year 1777 a part of the Company that having gone to the Northward under Capt. Seymour against Burgoyne, those remaining in & near Litchfield were called out & joined the American Army on the North River at Peekskill & thence marched up the River to watch the British fleet as far as Rhinebeck & there hearing the news of the surrender of Burgoyne, the fleet returned down towards New York & that part of our Company there returned to Fishkill where we were dismissed. Said Gibbs served during & through this tour in said part of the Company in which I also was, & which contained about two months
In July 1779 said Company still under the command of Capt. Moses Seymour was called on an alarm to go to Norwalk, & it went immediately to that place & was there when it was taken by the British & burned, & also when the battle was fought it remained in the neighborhood till the British had re-embarked & then marched to Stamford & was stationed there till the British returned to New York when we were dismissed; we were here under the command of Gen. Oliver Wolcott, said Gibbs served with said Company through this tour which was of about two weeks duration. I served with him through this tour

Said Company was called out frequently during the revolutionary war as occasion required & when there was no further occasion for its services it was dismissed & no written discharges were ever given. Said Gibbs is a man of veracity & his statement is entitled to credit. And further the deponent saith not. Dated at Litchfield the 28 th day of July 1892.
David P. Clegg.
Litchfield County ss Litchfield July 28 th 1892 Personally appeared David P. Clegg, to me known to be a witness entitled to credit, & who subscribed the foregoing deposition in my presence, & made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
Before me
George C. Woodruff Justice of the Peace
I Samuel Seymour of the town & County of Litchfield Conn., being duly sworn do depose & say that, I am brother to the Capt. Moses Seymour named in the foregoing deposition of David P. Clegg & I know that he went with his said Company in 1778 & in the fall of that year to West Chester County N.Y. thence to New Jersey, & that William Gibbs of said Litchfield was a member of his Company during the Revolutionary war & was often out as a soldier in the American Army in said Company, and from that said Gibbs' character for veracity is good, And further saith not. Dated at Litchfield this 2 nd day of Aug 1892.
Samuel Seymour
Litchfield County ss Litchfield Aug 2 nd 1892 Personally appeared Samuel Seymour a witness to me known & entitled to credit & who subscribed the foregoing deposition in my presence & made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
Before me
Geo. C. Woodruff Justice of the Peace

Frederick Wolcott, Clerk of the County Court within & for the County of Litchfield in the State of Connecticut, certify that George C. Woodruff Esq. was at the respective dates of the preceding Certificates which purport to be signed by him a Justice of the Peace within & for said County legally commissioned & qualified & that the signatures which purport to be his are genuine & his proper hand writing. —
Witness my hand & the Seal of said Court this second day of August A. D. 1832.
Frederick Wolcott, Clerk.
No 4236-2

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the Peace within & for the County of Litchfield Conn William Gibbs who being first duly sworn deponeth & saith that on the 1 st day of Aug. 1832 he personally appeared in open Court & before the Court of Probate within & for the District of Litchfield & made his Declaration before said Court in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832; that by reason of old age & consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below in in the following grades viz,
During the first term of service named in said Declaration I served as a private soldier in New York City two months & a half
During the second term of service mentioned in said Declaration I served in West Chester County, N.Y. two months & a half as I believe
During the third term of service mentioned in said Declaration I served at Danbury Ct & near Long Island Sound one fortnight
During the fourth term of service stated in said Declaration I served at Crompond, N.Y. two months
During the fifth tour of service stated in said Declaration I served at Peekskill & in the North River two months at least

During the sixth term of service stated in said Declaration I served at Norwalk, Stamford & at least twelve days
I served through each of the aforesaid terms of service as a private soldier in the American Army; & for such service I claim a Pension Dated at Litchfield this 21 st day of Dec 1832
WILLIAM GIBBS
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year last above written Before me Geo. C. Woodruff Justice of the Peace
I Geo. C. Woodruff a Justice of the Peace in & for Litchfield County Conn. do certify that William Gibbs to whom I have administered the oath as above written is a person to me well known & is entitled to credit
Geo. C. Woodruff Justice of the Peace
I Frederick Wolcott Clerk of the County Court within & for Litchfield County, Conn. certify that Geo. C. Woodruff is & for a long time has been a Justice of the Peace within & for said County legally commissioned & qualified, & that the above signatures which purport to be his are genuine & his proper hand writing
Witness my hand & the seal of said Court at Litchfield this
21 st day of Dec r 1832
Frederick Wolcott, Clerk

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Litchfield Conn. William Gibbs who being first duly sworn deponeth & saith that on the 1 st day of August 1832 he personally appeared in open Court before the Hon. Court of Probate within & for the District of Litchfield & made his Declaration before said Court in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832; "that by reason of old age & consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the period mentioned below & in the following grade, viz, For not less than two months served as a private during the second term of service mentioned in said Declaration, in West-Chester County N.Y.
Dated at Litchfield this 5 th day of April
1833
Litchfield County Conn. ss Litchfield William Gibbs April 5 th 1833 Personally appeared William Gibbs to me well known & who is entitled to credit, & made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed in my presence Before me Geo. C. Woodruff Justice of Peace
Litchfield County Conn. ss Litchfield April 5 th 1833 I, Frederick Holcomb, Clerk of the County Court within & for said County hereby certify that Geo. C. Woodruff before whom the preceding deposition of William Gibbs appears to have been taken is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County, duly qualified to administer oaths & that the preceding signature which purports to be his is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal, at 5 th Court the day & year last aforesaid
Origen S. Seymour Assistant Clerk